National Organic Coalition

Have you ever wondered who works to ensure that federal policies reflect the interests of all the different folks who love organic food? One answer is the National Organic Coalition, or NOC.

In 2003, a group of farmers, businesses, consumer advocates and environmental nonprofits came together to form NOC. They all shared a common commitment to protecting organic integrity and advancing organic agriculture.

For these passionate champions of organic, “organic integrity” means strong, third-party verified, continuously improved standards that maximize the many health, environmental and economic benefits of organic farming.

Through ongoing work and policy initiatives, NOC strives to support an equitable organic program that protects people, animal welfare and the planet, and creates a fair marketplace for organic producers. With that goal in mind, these are some of the areas that NOC works to influence:

USDA National Organic Program

This federal program provides the framework that regulates USDA Certified Organic food.

National Organic Standards Board

This advisory board makes recommendations to USDA regarding organic food, including a list of substances that are allowed for use in organics.

The Farm Bill & Congress

This piece of federal legislation determines food and farm policy for the whole country, five years at a time. While the bill typically favors conventional agricultural interests, organic programs are gaining ground. 

When it comes to federal policy making, showing up and speaking out is key. That’s why NOC members testify at federal government hearings and agency meetings, and develop relationships with key members of congress, ensuring that the interests of the organic community can be heard.

NOC is increasingly well known and well respected, which affords the organic community improved access to federal policy makers. Today, NOC provides a powerful voice for organizations within the organic community, including food co-ops.

How do food co-ops participate in NOC?

The interests of food co-ops are represented through membership in National Co+op Grocers (NCG). NCG, the organization behind grocery.coop, is a co-founder and active member of NOC. To learn more about NOC visit www.nationalorganiccoalition.org.